PEPPA PIG RULES “Wherewegoing? … Peppa Pig” was the chant all week leading up to our visit to Peppa Pig World. Parenting techniques flew by the wayside as I could get my threeyear- old twins to do anything for fear of missing out on seeing Peppa Pig. The Big Day arrived. An hour and a half from West London down the A303 and then M27 was interminably long. Never before has the phrase “Are we nearly there, Mummy?” been said with such longing.

With such expectation, I was worried we were headed for a fall. But Peppa Pig and friends and family did not disappoint. Part of the popular Paultons family theme park, quite close to Winchester, no lack of effort and thought has been spared: from the clever marrying of fake and real grass, the attention to detail and honouring the essence of what makes Peppa Pig the greatest thing since, well … Peppa Pig, it has it all. The characters have such universal appeal, from the mock self-congratulatory Daddy Pig, to multitasking Mrs Rabbit; the lovable George, and of course the ab fab Peppa Pig herself.

First ride was up Windy Castle, in hot air balloons, which is good place to start because you get a bird’s eye view of the small park and can decide on your route, and where the smallest queues are. We were lucky enough to go on a pre-opening day; summer days will draw the crowds so hats, snacks and patience will be essential items to bring. There are two play areas to enjoy when queuing gets too much: the indoor one is huge (next to the café) and the outdoor one is great too. Another non-queuing area is Peppa and George’s house, which plays a scene from the Making Pancakes episode. The characters are huge, which the little ones found exciting.

Most popular ride: if you are in charge of one child, it has to be George’s Dinosaur adventure, in which you ride your own dinosaur with your child sitting in front. You are taken quite fast round a track, where you can spot bees and other ‘wildlife’. I had to leave one of my twins with the man in charge, which didn’t go down too well, whilst the other had a ride, and then vice versa. Better for us was the car ride, which I think we went on ten times. Another favourite was Granpa Pig’s Boat Trip (which for me is one of the funniest episodes to watch too). It really is a fun day out and, if that doesn’t tire them out, you can always go next door into the main Paulton’s theme park, where there are lots of rides for kids of all ages. The food when we went wasn’t great: mayonnaisy sandwiches and crisps. You are better off stopping at the M&S on the way or making your own picnic. Do save some time for the Peppa-themed toy shop. There is a huge range of items including stickers, bucket and spade sets and bedding.

Opening again 12 February 2012

Book online for Family of 3 ticket £56; children under 1 metre free.

Paultons Park, Ower Nr Romsey, The New Forest, Hampshire, SO51 6AL.
Tel: 023 8081 4442 www.peppapigworld.co.uk

OTHER THEME PARK NEWS:
Ben 10 fans should head to Birmingham to try Drayton Manor’s new ride: Ben 10 Ultimate Mission. Ben has broken the Omnitrix yet again. Can you board the Mecha Vehicle and build enough speed to get to the blast canon and return before Vilgax invades?!* www.draytonmanor.co.uk  Tel: 020 0844 472 1960

Closer to home, Legoland Windsor’s new ride is Atlantis Submarine Voyage. Board a yellow submarine and travel down into an underwater world to search for the ancient ruins of the Atlantis. www.Legoland.co.uk
*Under 4s cannot ride, 1–1.2 metres must be accompanied by an adult.